But when the fullness of time had come, God sent forth his Son, born of woman, born under the law, to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as sons. And because you are sons, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, crying, “Abba! Father!
- Galatians 4:4-6
I still look forward to Christmas, just as I did growing up. I love the season, the vibe - with the lights, the decorations, the music, even the busyness. I like the crescendo of Christmas Eve and Christmas morning. It was mysterious and wonderful as a child. And the wonder hasn't worn off.
Human history also has crescendos. The greatest occurred - maybe I should say, began - when God stepped into time and space in a far off land, and, of all things, as a baby in a humble stable.
"When the fullness of time had come," Paul writes. Mary's pregnancy and the pregnancy of time coincided. Then the crescendo: Emmanuel - God with us!
He split time in two.
We may now say BCE (Before Common Era) instead of BC (Before Christ), and CE (Common Era) rather than AD ("Anno Domini" - Year of our Lord). But politically-correct terms cannot dull the crescendo.
The cymbals of eternity roared…
Voices of angel choirs bounced off the stars...
Shepherds gasped...
Heaven thundered
Hell shuddered
Wise men journeyed
A baby cried.
Emmanuel - God with us!
With us to redeem us…
With us to free us…
With us to call us his children… (In Aramaic, "Abba" is a term of endearment meaning "Daddy.")
Yes, I still love Christmas.
O come, O come, Emmanuel.
God, be my Emmanuel.
Have a Blessed Christmas! For now...
D
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